Advice for living and coping with incontinence

Hello and Welcome to the DryForLife
Incontinence Resource

February 16th, 2009

Your day to day guide to living and coping with incontinence.

If you are reading this post, chances are that you are one of the estimated 6 million people in the UK who suffer from incontinence, or perhaps you are searching for help on behalf of a loved one. If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Incontinence is an embarrassing problem that we often keep to ourselves, believing that no one else knows how it feels to suffer from the loss of bladder or bowel control. For some people, this can lead to avoidance of social activities that were once enjoyed; for others, to depression and isolation.

At DryForLife, we understand the importance of discretion. We also understand this condition and how important it is to feel in control of this aspect of your life. Our objective is to provide our clients with quality products, information and solutions to help you cope with incontinence.

Join us as we explore this condition, striving to keep you up-to-date on the latest information and breakthroughs, as well as providing you with good, basic information. For more information, you can email or call our Discreet Advice Helpline or Freephone 0800 180 4325 to find out more about incontinence products available to help you cope on a day-to-day basis.

Tags: bed wetting, Bladder Weakness, incontinence products, Types of Incontinence, Urinary Incontinence
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Pants for Incontinence Provide Comfortable Alternative

August 27th, 2010

Many people who are incontinent start out using incontinent pads, not realizing that there are many other options in incontinence products, such as pants for incontinence. There are many advantages to using incontinence pants, with comfort being one of the main reasons that people choose to use incontinence pants instead of pads.

Incontinence pads can be somewhat bulky and may be difficult to keep in place. Pads may slip out of position when participating in certain activities. You may be more apt to suffer leakage problems while wearing incontinence pads if you suffer from heavy incontinence. For this reason, pants for incontinence are often worn in conjunction with incontinence pads to prevent pads from moving and to decrease the risk of leakage.

Pants for incontinence may be more absorbent, which is another reason that pants for incontinence are often chosen over incontinence pads. Pants for incontinence are available in different levels of absorbency, providing a wide range of selection for people who suffer from incontinence.

Women may prefer pants for incontinence simply because incontinence pants may be less bulky and are less likely to show under different styles of clothing. Pants for incontinence also come in many styles for both men and women that resemble normal underwear. For men, there are even pants for incontinence that resemble boxers and are very comfortable to wear. Women will appreciate the soft, comfortable material that incontinence pants come in, as well as their discreetness.

Pants for incontinence can be an affordable alternative to incontinence pads, especially when you choose to wear washable pants for incontinence. Washable pants for incontinence can be washed in the washing machine just like regular underwear. Many people find that being able to launder their incontinence pants is an economical and environmentally friendly means of handling their incontinence.

Pants for incontinence are preferable to pads for several reasons, including security, comfort and affordability. To view DryForLife’s complete line of pants for incontinence, order a free catalog.

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Adult Incontinence

August 27th, 2010

Adult incontinence is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that causes shame and embarrassment amongst those who suffer from it. Many people are reluctant to discuss the problem with their physician, which is unfortunate because the condition can often be effectively treated.

It is possible to gain control of incontinence and reclaim your confidence. To begin, you should see your physician at the first sign of incontinence. This is important so that cause can be determined. Potential causes of adult incontinence are numerous and vary by sex. For men, incontinence is often a result of prostate enlargement or disease. For women, incontinence may occur as a consequence of pregnancy and childbirth. Your physician will be able to determine the cause of your incontinence based on your symptoms. It is useful if you can track incidences of incontinence for a week or two before you visit your physician, making note of when incontinence occurs, how often it occurs and any associated factors such as signs of infection, pain with urination and any other information you feel is pertinent.

Once the cause of adult incontinence has been determined (which may require tests to clarify the issue), attention can then turn to treating the problem. Self-help remedies are often attempted first. These may include dietary and lifestyle changes. Should these home remedies fail, medication is often the next step for treating adult incontinence. Medications are used to decrease bladder irritability, decrease the size of swollen prostate glands, or decrease the urge to void frequently.

While you and your physician are sorting out the problem, you will want to use incontinence products that will help you feel secure and confident. Qualities to look for in incontinence products include absorbency, comfort, discreetness and affordability. DryForLife incontinence products have all these attributes. In addition, DryForLife products can be delivered right to your door at no extra cost, saving you the inconvenience of having to shop for your incontinence products in a store.

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Infection as a Cause of Bladder Incontinence

August 27th, 2010

Bladder incontinence is a common condition affecting millions of people around the world. Causes of bladder incontinence are numerous. Infection in some part of the urinary tract may cause incontinence and is one cause that your physician can easily detect and treat.

Urinary tract infections may affect the kidneys (pyelonephritis), the bladder (cystitis) or the urethra (urethritis). Men may also suffer from prostatitis, or infection of the prostate gland. Bladder incontinence is sometimes the result of untreated infections.

Not all people who have urinary tract infections are symptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
-Frequency (frequent need to urinate)
-Dysuria (painful urination)
-Hematuria (blood in the urine, which may be visible or only -detectable under a microscope)
-Rectal fullness (men)
-Suprapubic pain (pain just above the pubic bone)
-Fatigue
-Weakness
-Fever (usually present when infection reaches the kidneys)
-Flank pain or backache (usually only with pyelonephritis)
-Nausea and vomiting (pyelonephritis)
-Milky, foul-smelling urine

In children, symptoms may not be obvious. Children are more likely to have a fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to thrive (in infants).

Urine is normally sterile. However, bacteria sometimes cling to and multiply at the entrance to the urinary tract, the urethra. There are several bacteria that live in the bowel and anus. These bacteria can travel from the urethra upwards to other areas of the urinary tract.

Usually, the act of urination causes bacteria to be washed away, but this mechanism sometimes fails. Some people are more prone to urinary tract infection due to underlying health conditions:
-Victims of spinal cord injury (incomplete bladder emptying)
-Sexually active women (urinating after intercourse may decrease r-isk of infection)
-People with kidney stones
-People with suppressed immune function
-Women who use a diaphragm as a method of birth control
-Men with enlarged prostate glands

Urinary tract infection may cause temporary bladder incontinence when symptoms, such as urgency, are intense. Fortunately, bladder infection can be easily detected and treated with antibiotics. Any new-onset bladder incontinence should be evaluated by a physician. When the cause of bladder incontinence is urinary tract infection, the problem can be easily treated.

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Save Money with Washable Incontinent Pads

August 17th, 2010

There’s no doubt about it; suffering from incontinence can be expensive. One way to cut down on the expense associated with being incontinent is to consider the use of washable incontinent pads.

Incontinence products generally come in two varieties: disposable or washable (reusable). While many people prefer to use disposable products, because they can simply be disposed of when soiled, there are a growing number of people who choose to use washable products in order to save money.

Washable incontinent pads are often teamed with washable incontinent pants. These products are made of comfortable, breathable materials that are highly absorbent. Washable incontinent pants often look and feel like normal underwear, which is a large part of their appeal. As the incontinence market has grown, so have the styles and features of products. For example, men’s washable incontinence pads and pants now come in styles that appeal to men, such as boxer style briefs. Women have not been forgotten- manufacturers realize that women desire products that are discreet and look natural under any type of garment they choose to wear.
More and more people are going green, and buying washable incontinent pads and pants is one way that consumers can help the environment. By cutting down on waste, buying washable products can assist people who care about the environment by allowing them a choice.

DryForLife understands that people with incontinence want to have a choice in the products they use to cope with incontinence, and that people want value for their money. DryForLife offers a wide range of products, including washable incontinent pads, which are comfortable to wear, absorbent, discreet and cost-effective. DryForLife is also proud to carry the full line of Tena products to offer their valued clients a wider choice in incontinence products.

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Waterproof Mattress Covers - UK Made and Sold

August 17th, 2010

Many people will not use the term “lifesavers” when referring to waterproof mattress covers, but anyone who suffers from incontinence will know the true value of a good mattress cover. There are many benefits to investing in waterproof mattress covers. UK statistics state that there are 1 to 3 million UK residents who suffer from incontinence, likely more due to the reluctance of many to discuss the issue.

Mattress covers come in a wide variety of shapes, materials and sizes. They may be designed to protect your mattress in the event of light incontinence, or they may be manufactured to handle heavy incontinence. They may be washable or disposable. You will need to consider your unique needs when purchasing waterproof mattress covers.

If you suffer from light, occasional incontinence, a disposable waterproof mattress pad may be sufficient for your needs. These mattress covers are designed to be placed under you while you sleep, and may cover only a portion of the mattress. They may be folded up and discreetly put away when no longer needed if they are not soiled. If you suffer from heavy incontinence you may want to use a full mattress cover, which will protect the entire mattress you are sleeping on. These mattress covers are generally washable and can be reused after washing.

Replacing a mattress can be an expensive proposition. For this reason, you will want to protect the life of your mattress if you suffer from incontinence. Once soiled, it can be difficult to clean a mattress and you may be left with unsightly stains. Many manufacturers recommend changing a mattress every 10 years, so you will want to keep your mattress fresh and clean for its lifetime. DryForLife carries a wide selection of waterproof mattress covers. UK manufactured and delivered right to your door, DryForLife waterproof mattress covers have you covered.

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Definitions of Incontinence

August 17th, 2010

There are so many terms used in conjunction with the word incontinence that it can be hard to keep them all straight. First of all, it is helpful to have a working definition of the word incontinence. Incontinence refers to the sudden, involuntary release of urine or stool. Incontinence can have many different underlying causes, and it is always a good idea to discuss the problem with your doctor when searching for a solution for this problem.

Urinary Incontinence - the sudden involuntary release of urine

Faecal (or Fecal) Incontinence - the sudden involuntary loss of gas (flatulence) or stool; bowel incontinence is often used in place of faecal incontinence.

Stress Incontinence - urinary incontinence that results from some form of physical activity or stress on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting a heavy object

Urge Incontinence - leakage of urine following involuntary spasms of bladder muscles or inappropriate contraction of bladder muscles; sometimes called overactive bladder

Overflow Incontinence - in overflow incontinence, the bladder does not empty completely and may become overly full, resulting in leakage of urine; often attributable to nerve damage or bladder muscle dysfunction

Mixed Incontinence - occurs when symptoms of both urge and stress incontinence are present at the same time in the same individual

Functional Incontinence - occurs as a result of a person’s inability to get to a washroom in time to void; incontinence as a result of a physical or mental condition (e.g. arthritis impeding someone’s ability to walk to the washroom quickly enough; dementia causing a person to forget where the washroom is)

Male Incontinence - any incontinence in men, often attributed to prostate disease

Female Incontinence - any incontinence in women, often a result of pregnancy and childbirthIncontinence Pads - absorbent pads that are worn alone or with incontinence pants to absorb urine or stool in incontinence

Incontinence Pants - may be worn alone or with incontinence pads; may be washable or disposable

This list is not exhaustive by any means, but it will hopefully provide you with a working vocabulary when discussing incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence Treatments

August 9th, 2010

If you suffer from urinary incontinence, you may be wondering what treatments are available to you. Urinary incontinence treatments range from self help remedies to medication to surgery. Generally, treatment of urinary incontinence starts with self-help remedies.

As far as urinary incontinence treatments go, self-help remedies are the least invasive and have no troublesome side effects. In some cases, self help remedies are all that is needed to improve or cure incontinence, which is why most doctors prefer their patients start will these simple measures to treat incontinence:

Limit Fluid Intake - Decreasing the amount of fluids taken in close to bedtime may decrease nighttime incontinence. Individuals who drink a lot of fluids may find that incontinence symptoms improve if they cut down on the amount of fluids they drink during the day as well.

However, you do not want to decrease your fluid intake to the point of dehydration, as this may lead to bladder infections and other problems.

Avoid alcohol and Caffeine - Caffeine can irritate the bladder, and both caffeine and alcohol can act as mild diuretics, increasing the frequency of voiding. They may also contribute to a sense of urgency to void. Simply cutting these two substances out of your life may drastically improve incontinence.

Avoid Acidic Foods - Citric foods and juices, as well as tomatoes and other acidic foods may irritate the bladder, increasing the likelihood of incontinence. Avoiding acidic foods and juices may decrease episodes of incontinence.

Lose Weight - Excess weight puts added pressure on the bladder, which may exacerbate stress incontinence. Losing weight may markedly improve symptoms of incontinence.

Quit Smoking - Smoking can lead to a chronic cough, and coughing is often a factor in stress incontinence. Quitting smoking may reduce coughing spells, which may in turn decrease stress incontinence.

Kegel Exercises - Kegels are exercises designed to improve pelvic muscle tone. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles may improve incontinence. Kegels are often prescribed as first-line treatment to those suffering from urinary incontinence.

Self-help remedies are not invasive, cost nothing and are often effective in improving or curing urinary incontinence. Other urinary incontinence management involve medications, which may have intolerable side effects. Surgery comes with its own set of risks and is often a last resort in urinary incontinence treatments.

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Incontinence Pads for Men

August 9th, 2010

Although women are affected by urinary incontinence more often than men, there are plenty of men coping with incontinence on a daily basis. Although anatomy differs between the sexes, both men and women need incontinence products that they can depend on. Incontinence pads for men are designed with men in mind, taking into account their unique needs.

Incontinence pads for men are not much different than those designed for women in terms of absorbency. They are generally made of the same materials. The major difference between incontinence pads for men and women is that incontinence pads for men are designed to absorb urine near the front of the pad, while female incontinence pads are designed to absorb urine in the middle and back of the pad.

For example, DryForLife’s Male Guards for Men are shaped pads with an adhesive backing to help them stay in place. They are designed to look and feel natural and are suitable for light urinary incontinence. Super Absorbent Stick-On Pads for Men provide extra absorbency. They are thicker for moderate incontinence and can be worn in most any pant discreetly.

Some men may prefer to wear incontinence pants with built-in pads. The advantage of these is that they are washable, which may be more economically feasible for some. They can be washed quite easily in the washing machine. These incontinence pads for men may not be suitable for heavy incontinence. Some incontinence pants are designed for use with disposable incontinence pads for men, and some may find the disposable option more appealing, albeit slightly more expensive.

Nowadays, there are many options in incontinence pads for men. DryForLife has a full product line of incontinence products designed specifically with men in mind. DryForLife values your privacy; for this reason, incontinence products can be ordered online and delivered right to your door, saving you the hassle of shopping for incontinence products in the store. View our full line of DryForLife incontinence products to find a solution for your incontinence needs.

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Bed Wetting Products: What You Should Know

August 9th, 2010

Bed wetting, or enuresis, is a common problem affecting 1% of the population over the age of 15. Bed wetting is more common in children, with 15 to 20% of five and six-year-old youngsters experiencing the problem. Sometimes the problem persists into adulthood for unknown reasons. Bed wetting may occur only occasionally, or it may occur on a more regular basis. The problem can be a source of embarrassment but can often be treated with behavior modification or medication. Bed wetting products can protect against nighttime accidents and protect your mattress.

To protect your mattress if you or someone you love suffers from enuresis, you may want to consider some of the following bed wetting products:

Premium Super Bed Pads - These disposable pads are highly absorbent and are suitable for moderate to heavy incontinence.
They are made from quilted wadding, which is comfortable to lie on, and they contain a very absorbent core which wicks fluid away from the body. They are rustle-free, guaranteeing you a restful sleep and the peace of mind which comes from knowing that your mattress is fully protected in case of an accident.

Heavy Duty Waterproof Mattress Cover - These washable mattress covers protect your entire mattress with fully fitted ends. Supremely comfortable to lie on, these mattress covers can be easily washed in a washing machine, making them an economical choice in mattress protection.

Unisex Supreme Disposable Pants - Some people who suffer from enuresis prefer to wear disposable incontinence pants that can easily be disposed of in the morning should an accident occur, or reused if dry. These incontinence pants are comfortable to wear and are highly absorbent.

Bed wetting products protect your mattress and allow you to relax while you sleep, knowing that your mattress is protected should an accident occur. DryForLife has a full line of incontinence products available designed specifically to help manage any bed wetting situation.

Incontinence Pants: UK Estimates Up to 6 Million Incontinence Sufferers

August 2nd, 2010

If you are incontinent, as 3 to 6 million people in the UK are estimated to be, you may wonder what your options are in regards to purchasing incontinence pants, UK or elsewhere. Incontinence pants are a necessity for those who suffer from incontinence and purchasing options vary.

Some people choose to purchase incontinence pants from a store.
This requires taking the time to shop for incontinence pants. When you have found what you are looking for in terms of the right style, size, absorbency and fit for your incontinence pants, you then must pay for them in the store, carry them to your car, and then transport them into your home.

Many people are embarrassed by the fact that they suffer from incontinence, although the condition is common in the UK and around the world. They are reluctant to purchase incontinent supplies from the corner store for fear that they may run into someone they know, and their secret will become common knowledge.

For this reason, some people, who suffer from incontinence, choose to purchase their incontinence pants and other products from an online supplier, who will ship supplies directly to their door. This service saves the embarrassment and hassle of purchasing your necessities publicly. Incontinence pants and other supplies are often cheaper when ordered online or by catalog.

Where can you purchase incontinence pants? UK suppliers such as DryForLife, one of the best-known and respected incontinence supply manufacturers, will ship directly to your door, saving you the hassle of shopping personally for your incontinence needs. Purchasing products online can save you money, and you can rest assured that your order will be handled professionally and discreetly.

Want to learn more about your options for purchasing online incontinence pants? UK based DryForLife has the solutions to your problem. To view our full line of products, visit DryForLife online.

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Hello and Welcome to the DryForLife
Incontinence Resource

Pants for Incontinence Provide Comfortable Alternative

Adult Incontinence

Infection as a Cause of Bladder Incontinence

Save Money with Washable Incontinent Pads

Waterproof Mattress Covers - UK Made and Sold

Definitions of Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence Treatments

Incontinence Pads for Men

Bed Wetting Products: What You Should Know

Incontinence Pants: UK Estimates Up to 6 Million Incontinence Sufferers

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